Switzerland Issues RFQs For Ground-based Missile Defence Systems

The Swiss government has issued the request for tender for a new long-range surface-to-air defense system through its defense procurement agency, Armasuisse, for the country’s Air 2030 program.

Under its Air2030, Switzerland is aiming to procure new combat aircraft and ground-based defences in a programme valued at CHF8 billion ($8.1 billion).

On the basis of the requirements published by the Ministry of Defence on 23 March, 2018, the first request for tenders for a new long-range air defense system (DSA) is issued to three manufacturers: the Eurosam consortium’s SAMP/T system; the David’s Sling missile shield from Israel; and Raytheon’s Patriot system.

The release stated that the tenders must include: capabilities of the proposed system; acquisition and product support costs; information and proposals for cooperation between armed forces and procurement authoritiesl and indication as to the possibility of compensation.   

Armasuisse expects the offers by the end of March 2019. 

Armasuisse plans to test the radar detectors for each system in Switzerland by the end of summer 2019. Armasuisse will analyze the capabilities of other major components such as missiles and the control system on the basis of additional data obtained, either in Switzerland or, if necessary, in each country of manufacture, the release said.